Just getting started, help is appreciated

[asliboogie]

Hi TFP family,
Several years ago I learned so much from this group to maintain my above ground pool.
We are getting a Endless Pool swim spa in a month and I know better than going to a pool shop. Is the method and the maintenance same as treating a pool? I need to get the test kit and everything but wanted to make sure checking with you first. The provider is saying “only put 1 tablespoon clorox every other week” which I find hard to believe.

 

[mknauss]

Same as pool. Since it is covered all the time I assume, might be more like a cross between a spa and pool.

 

[Mdragger88]

So your spa will be similar to a small pool but not quite like a smaller spa. The bather load won’t be quite as great as that of a small 400ish gal spa would but still a bit heavier than say a 20k gal pool. Testing the water before & after use can help you get a feel for what to expect.
The
FC/CYA Levels
& the
Pool Care Basics are certainly the same as we teach with the pool.
You’re correct about a tablespoon of bleach every two weeks definitely not cutting it!
Also - no Clorox bleach. It has cloromax in it.
Stick with dedicated pool chlorine that is unadulterated.
Here’s the guide

How do I use Chlorine in my Spa or Hot Tub?

If you have a question about any information within this Sticky, please start a new thread for yourself where you will receive very quick responses to your specific questions. Thank you! Introduction There are two main things to consider when maintaining your hot tub water, Water Balance and...

www.troublefreepool.com

You’ll need a taylor k2006 or tf100/tf pro kit.
Also get some ahhsome so you can purge your new spa as they are wet tested at the factory and it can be impossible to fully evacuate the lines so biofilms can form while enroute to you.
This can lead to a higher fc demand right out of the gate so its best to get rid of it right off the bat.

what is ahh-some?

What is Ahh-some?

www.google.com

Will it have a salt water chlorine generator or perhaps ozone/uv ?

 

[asliboogie]

So your spa will be similar to a small pool but not quite like a smaller spa. The bather load won’t be quite as great as that of a small 400ish gal spa would but still a bit heavier than say a 20k gal pool. Testing the water before & after use can help you get a feel for what to expect.
The
FC/CYA Levels
& the
Pool Care Basics are certainly the same as we teach with the pool.
You’re correct about a tablespoon of bleach every two weeks definitely not cutting it!
Also - no Clorox bleach. It has cloromax in it.
Stick with dedicated pool chlorine that is unadulterated.
Here’s the guide

How do I use Chlorine in my Spa or Hot Tub?

If you have a question about any information within this Sticky, please start a new thread for yourself where you will receive very quick responses to your specific questions. Thank you! Introduction There are two main things to consider when maintaining your hot tub water, Water Balance and...

www.troublefreepool.com

You’ll need a taylor k2006 or tf100/tf pro kit.
Also get some ahhsome so you can purge your new spa as they are wet tested at the factory and it can be impossible to fully evacuate the lines so biofilms can form while enroute to you.
This can lead to a higher fc demand right out of the gate so its best to get rid of it right off the bat.

what is ahh-some?

What is Ahh-some?

www.google.com

Will it have a salt water chlorine generator or perhaps ozone/uv ?

I cannot express my gratitude for this answer. Starting something new is stressful. It has a UV filter. Not salt water. We live in Palo Alto, the water is not hard at all (got it tested for water filter, they didn’t even recommend filter) but of course we will see how it will measure once we fill it. It will have a cover most of the time. The model is Endless Spa E700. We are getting it second hand but they are replacing the hydraulic liquid and UV filter for us. Coming from the official retailer.

 

[Mdragger88]

Uv (if functional) will consume some of your chlorine so be aware & even in the presence of uv the FC/CYA Levels should be adhered to.
Many choose to not replace the lamps when they go out or simply disconnect the system if it causes issues with maintaining standby fc especially if the tub is not used regularly.

UV Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[phonedave]

The two biggest difference, at least for me are.

1) Spa are a lot more "touchy" when it comes to chemicals, since they are a lot smaller. While your swim spa is bigger than most "regular" spas, it is still much smaller than a pool. When was using bleach in my pool, it took about a quart a day. If I added an extra cup it was not an issue. My spa takes 2oz of bleach a day (sometimes less). If I overshoot by 1 oz, My CL is almost at SLAM levels. So the lesson here is be more careful in your measurements.

2) The pH in a spa will tend to rise because of the aeration of the jets. Your swim spa may be less "bubbly" and maybe your pool has fountains and waterfalls. My pool is a boring ABG - no water features at all. My spa has jets galore. The big difference for me was having to add acid on a daily basis to the spa for 7 - 10 days after a water change until the TA and pH would come into balance. I almost never add acid to my pool.